PHILOS 120/Intro to Ethics

Prof. Blakey

COC
Fall 2014

Study Guide for Exam #1 (100 points)

Exam Date: Monday, September 29th
Bring your own lined paper to class. You do not need a scantron.
The exam will be material from Ch. 1-5, 7-8 of The Fundamentals of Ethics, including the
Introduction. The exam will also cover the relevant material from The Ethical Life, as
well. The exam will cover any concepts, ideas, and arguments that have been
discussed in class. No notes or books may be used during the exam.
The exam will consist of multiple choice questions and discussion questions. You will
have some choice over the particular discussion questions you answer. Each discussion
question will require a developed response that demonstrates understanding of the
relevant question/issue/problem/theory/argument. You will need to be familiar with the
reasoning involved in particular arguments and the evaluation of those arguments. If
you are familiar with the ideas, concepts, arguments and their significance (why do they
matter in the context of the question/issue?), you will be well-prepared for the exam.
FE Introduction the concept of argument; evaluation of arguments; 2 evaluative
questions; validity; soundness
Material on hedonism, desire satisfaction theory, and the objective theory of
human welfare have a good grasp of the distinction between intrinsic vs. instrumental
value, and the three fundamental viewpoints. Also understand critiques of hedonism
having to do with false happiness and autonomy; understand the critiques against DST
having to do with impoverished desires and the fallibility of our deepest desires.
Understand the difference between subjectivist and objectivist views on value theory.
FE Ch. 5 Morality and Religion What is the relationship between morality and
religion? Does morality depend on religion? The 3 assumptions that often correlate with
the view that morality does depend on religion. Evaluation of these three assumptions.
The divine command theory; Euthyphro dilemma; are there replies?; more sophisticated
alternative theistic view; your considered view
FE Ch. 7 Psychological Egoism -- the central claim; implications for morality/altruism;
myth of Gyges Ring; reinterpretation of actions; arguments in favor of PE (understand
the reasoning and be able to evaluate): the argument from our strongest desire; the
argument from expected benefit; problem of the guilty conscience; problem of expanding
self-interest; your considered view
FE Ch. 8 Ethical Egoism -- The central claim; Ayn Rands claims about the ethics of
altruism (Chapter 9 in The Ethical Life); the self-reliance argument; the libertarian
argument (consent/reparations); evaluation of each; the best argument for EE;
evaluation of the argument; 3 problems for EE; your considered view